Teladoc Health is launching a new employee assistance program called Wellbound, which it said is designed to promote a healthier and more engaged workforce.
The new EAP, purpose-built for the company’s employer and health plan clients in the U.S., taps into Teladoc’s clinical product portfolio and consumer engagement background.
The idea is to help organizations create an “on-ramp” for long-term employee wellness, Teladoc said.
WHAT’S THE IMPACT
Internal data provided by the company suggested that while 89% of large employers have an EAP, many aren’t getting the full value from their investment. Employers face a fragmented experience when trying to access EAP benefits and struggle when they exceed their allotted sessions, said Teladoc.
At the same time, many benefits leaders are also investing in both mental and physical health. What Wellbound does, according to the company, is to deliver support for mental and physical health through a connected experience that guides employees to the best support for their needs.
The program includes online therapy for individuals, teens and couples provided by BetterHelp, while additional psychiatry, medication management and self-guided resources will be provided by Teladoc.
The EAP supports connectivity to other Teladoc services, such as primary care, preventive care and chronic condition programs.
Wellbound also includes access to a range of work-life benefits and resources, such as legal consultation, access to financial planners and budget specialists, coaching, in-person counseling, and referrals for elder care, childcare and backup care.
Wellbound is available to plan sponsors today and will be accessible to program users beginning January 2026.
THE LARGER TREND
In February, Teladoc signed a definitive agreement to acquire preventive care company Catapult Health for $65 million.
Catapult's capabilities will help when it comes to early detection of health conditions, and the deal is expected to deliver better health outcomes in care management, the company said.
In January, Teladoc said it was teaming up with Amazon to expand access to its telehealth chronic condition programs. Amazon customers who are eligible for Teladoc Health's diabetes, hypertension, pre-diabetes and weight management programs can enroll in these cardiometabolic care benefits directly through Amazon's Health Benefits Connector, previously known as Health Condition Programs.
Then in March, Teladoc entered into a pharmacy integration agreement with Eli Lilly's LillyDirect pharmacy partner, Gifthealth, which is intended to help streamline access to Zepbound medication for members enrolled in the Comprehensive Weight Care Program.
Jeff Lagasse is editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a HIMSS Media publication.